Starting at $2,300 - 2023 Cannondale Habit and Habit LT 5

Cannondale launched their 2023 Habit and Habit LT carbon models today. Habit frames feature 130mm rear travel with 140mm forks for the rider seeking the flow of a light, fast, and fun trail bike. Habit LT bikes jump up 10mm front and rear for those seeking the wilder end of the trail-ride spectrum. Both are built on a redesigned frame, in either full carbon or full aluminum, with size-specific geometry and suspension kinematics, as well as straightforward features that make them great bikes for any skill level.

Cannondale Habit 4, $2,300

Cannondale Habit 3, $3,325

Cannondale Habit LT 2, $3,625

Cannondale Habit Carbon 2, $4,350

Cannondale Habit Carbon LT 1, $5,550

Cannondale Habit Carbon 1, $5,550

2023 Habit and Habit LT Geometry

Cannondale Habit FAQ

Q. What feature makes Habit unique?

A. It’s not just one thing. There is no single defining feature that makes Habit so special. Rather it’s the sum of all the details which add up to make Habit the bike you need. Habit has modern progressive geometry that is perfect for the way it’s ridden. Not too slack, not too steep, just right. It has size-specific suspension kinematics that makes the bike not only eerily efficient, but also exceptionally smooth, with insane traction and braking grip. Habit also has size-specific chainstay lengths which provide tons of stability while descending, but also helps put the power down when when climbing. Internal cable routing, durable hardware, oversized bearings, IS42/52 headset, 73mm BSA BB, SRAM’s UDH, 34.9 seat collar – all make it easy to own and customize however you see fit. All these details add up to delivering exactly what mountain bikers want, and everything they need.

Q. Habit and Habit LT – What’s the difference?

A. Habit is positioned on the lighter end of the trail category. It's light, fast, fun, capable and exactly what most trail riders want. Habit LT is on the burlier end of the trail category. It is still super-efficient but gets a boost in travel and has more burly specs for the riders that prioritize descending and aggressive riding.

Q. I noticed there isn’t a flipchip?

A. We went with straightforward hardware which is more simple and durable.

Q. Is it Mullet Compatible? (29F, 27R)

A. It is. We worked with Cascade Designs to create a mullet yoke. You can order it off their website in starting March of 2023.

Q. What is this UDH hanger?

A. UDH stands for Universal Derailleur Hanger. It is a hanger standard which was created by SRAM and has universal fitment across any bike brand. We like it because any rider can walk into any bike shop, anywhere in the world and fix a trailside mishap.

Q. Are there any Cannondale Accessories that mount to the storage under the top tube?

A. The StrapRack is included with carbon models, but the attachment points are standard water bottle spacing so many aftermarket accessories will fit.

Q. Do the Alloy and Carbon frames have different compatibilities?

A. Nope – All hard points are the same. Headset, hanger, axle, BB, seat collar, dropper, shock – everything interchangeable between an alloy frame and a carbon frame

Q. I notice that Habit is full carbon or full alloy. Can I make a blended frame?

A. The alloy and carbon frames cannot share chainstays or seatstays. One or the other.

Q. I notice that the carbon frame has more chainstay lengths compared to the alloy. Why is that?

A. With the more expensive carbon frames, each size has different chainstay lengths, and different suspension layouts, for the full Proportional Response experience. With alloy, we opted for two suspension layouts and two effective chainstay lengths for the best balance of performance and practicality. S/M share the same rear center and L/XL share a longer one.

Q. Does that mean that there are different rear ends for each size?

A. Nope. We use the same swingarm across all sizes, moving the position of the swingarm pivot to achieve the varying chainstay lengths. Smart huh? This is only possible because we are already customizing the entire suspension kinematic by size anyway. Talk about a win-win!

Q. Can I put a 160mm fork on my Habit?

A. Please don’t. Habit is certified for up to 150mm forks.

Q. Does Habit still use the Ai–(Asymmetric Integration) offset drivetrain and rear wheel?

A. It does not. Ai was ahead of its time. Now that the industry has caught up with us with 55mm chainlines, we no longer need to use our proprietary solution.

Q. If this bike isn’t Ai anymore, did it lose tire clearance?

A. No. Tire clearance is still amazing due to the 55mm chainline, referred to as 55 CL. The new Habits with fit up to 29x2.6!

Q. What is this 55mm chainline? Is it just some new, weird, proprietary Cannondale thing?

A. The 55mm chainline is the new industry standard. SRAM and Shimano both make drivetrains to fit and there are plenty of aftermarket cranks which are available in 55mm chainline. Chains and cassettes have been adapted for the greater offset so its all plug and play and super simple. The rest of the industry does not want to admit we were right with Ai chainline

Q. Is 55mm Chainline the same as Boost Chain line?

A. No, Boost Chainline is 53.5mm and uses a different crank from both SRAM and Shimano. SRAM 55mm Chainline cranks are referred to as MTB Wide, Shimano simply calls them out as 55mm Chainline.

Q. What’s the BB shell width/standard?

A. Industry standard – 73mm BSA.

For more info, hit up www.cannondale.com

View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the new Cannondale Habit and Habit LT in the Vital MTB Product Guide.